Cheryl Gehring Nangle
The Alaska community has lost one of its female pioneers. Cheryl Gehring Nangle died lovingly in the hands of her spouse, Paul Joseph Nangle, after 51-years of marriage and on his 80th birthday. In this real-life love story, Cheryl waited until Paul’s birthday to enter into eternal life with her parents, Bernice and James Gehring.
Cheryl’s fierce personality began the day she was born, August 21, 1945, in Cleveland, Ohio. Her father learned of her birth from the loudspeaker on the deck of the U.S. Navy destroyer he served on in the Pacific Ocean during World War II. Her mother held her third child closely that day. Cheryl came from a long line of accomplished women. Cheryl’s great-grandmother, an Irish immigrant, was a successful entrepreneur and operated a saloon in downtown Cleveland.
Cheryl earned her associate degree from Marymount College in Arlington, Virginia. Cheryl was eager to study business. Cheryl convinced Georgetown University to accept her into their business school’s first coed class.
After graduation, Cheryl traveled to visit a friend in St. Louis, Missouri. Always a musician at heart and piano player, she enjoyed showcasing her talents on their piano. Her friend’s father, Judge James Nangle, said to her that evening, “I have a son I would like you to meet.” As fate would have it, Paul found himself in Cleveland a couple months later. James’ wife, Harriet, told Paul, “I know a nice girl in Cleveland that I would like you to meet.” When the two met, Paul impressed Cheryl at dinner, “I moved to Alaska, am buying a house, and passing both the bar and CPA exams next month.” And he did. After only a few dates, they fell in love, and their fate was almost sealed.
Paul returned to Anchorage and Cheryl traveled to Vail, Colorado. Soon after, Cheryl headed to Anchorage and ran into Paul. A few weeks later, on June 17, 1971, Cheryl and Paul were married at Holy Family Cathedral.
Once she found the love of her life, Cheryl started looking for business opportunities. Cheryl saw the number of people moving to the last frontier and decided to get her residential real estate license. Cheryl sold many homes. Paul loved real estate as well. Eventually, Paul began to develop subdivisions and Cheryl would sell the lots.
Once she became a mom, Cheryl found her true passion. She raised their three children in her own unique way. She was actively engaged and volunteered at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School. Cheryl could always be depended on to lend a hand. She would often spend time with her children playing bingo with residents at Our Lady of Compassion Care Center because she believed in helping others. Cheryl taught her children how to be faithful, kind, productive and loving people.
As her children grew, Cheryl decided it was time to go back to work and over a bet with Paul, Cheryl started Arctic Promotions. This business grew into a successful enterprise. Paul became her local delivery man and their love story continued. They owned an office building together, worked in close proximity and had lunch together daily. In this same spirit, Cheryl and Paul started a tourist business, Arctic Gifts, to keep their children busy during their summers.
Eventually their children married and Cheryl became the ultimate grandmother. She enjoyed art projects, adventures and visits. Grandma was present for every birthday, no matter how far away.
Paul was diagnosed with cancer in 2011. Cheryl and Paul stayed in Los Angeles for six months of extensive treatment at UCLA. Cheryl stayed by Paul’s side through it all. Paul fought for his life and won. Twelve years later, it became Paul’s turn to support Cheryl and he did. Paul did everything he could to maintain Cheryl’s quality of life in her own beautiful and loving home. On June 17, 2021, Cheryl and Paul renewed their wedding vows after 50 years of marriage at Holy Family Cathedral. Theirs was a true Alaskan adventurous love story from beginning to end.
Cheryl is survived by her husband of 51 years, Paul Nangle; three children, Kerry (Chris Stanek), Joey (Jessica) and Christy Koehl (Joe); seven grandchildren, Jack, Cole and Will Stanek; McKayla and Dempsey Nangle; Ryan and McKinley Koehl.
The Funeral Mass for Cheryl Nangle will be celebrated on January 21, 2023 at 2 p.m. at Holy Cross Parish.
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